Beacon Lesson Plan Library
Similar Similes
Janice Jowers
Okaloosa County Schools
Description
This activity addresses the first part of the GLE LA.D.2.2.2.3.1. The students learn that similes are figures of speech that use the words -as- and -like- as visual terms. They use this knowledge to complete a worksheet where they write some similes.
Standards
Florida Sunshine State Standards
LA.D.2.2.2.3.1
The student understands similes, symbols, and idiomatic language.
Florida Process Standards
Information Managers
01 Florida students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment.
Effective Communicators
02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs.
Critical and Creative Thinkers
04 Florida students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decision, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.
Materials
- White board or chalk board
- Markers for the board.
- Balloon and a pin for the introduction.
- Copies of the Similar Similes Teacher Introduction Lesson (see Attached Files). Make enough copies for each student to have one.
- Copies of the Similar Similes worksheet (see Attached Files). Make enough copies for each student to have one.
- Crayons for illustrating.
- A copy of the Similar Similes Answer Key (see Attached Files).
Preparations
1. Make sure you have access to a white board or a chalk board.
2. Download the Similar Similes Teacher Introduction Lesson (see Attached Files) and make copies for each child.
3. Download the Similar Similes worksheet (see Attached Files) and make enough copies for each child.
4. Download the Similar Similes worksheet Answer Key (see Attached Files).
Procedures
1. Hold up a blown up balloon. Poke it with a pin to make it pop. Let the students remark on how loud that was. Ask the students to name other things that are loud. Accept all answers and write them on the board.
2. Above this list of things that are loud write "as loud as" and "loud like a". Read each of the students' loud suggestions along with the words "as loud as" and "loud like a". Such as: as loud as a helicopter, loud like a tornado.
3. Explain to the children that when you put "as" and "like" with these phrases it makes a simile.
4. Explain to the students that a simile is a figure of speech that uses the words "like" and "as." Figures of speech are used as adjectives or adverbs. They modify or describe a person, place, or thing, or action with a colorful and often visual term or phrase.
5. Explain to the students that creative writers make good use of similes
6. Pass out the Similar Similes Teacher Introduction Lesson (see Attached Files) and have the students complete the four simile phrases and illustrate what they have written. Two of the similes are used as examples and they are complete, the children just have to illustrate them. The other two similes are partially written and the students complete them and illustrate what they have written.
7. Upon completion have the students share some of the similes they have written. Praise them for their creativity and emphasize again that similes are figures of speech that use "like" and "as."
8. While the students are completing the Similar Similes Teacher Introduction Lesson activity, the teacher should circulate and offer feedback to them. The teacher could offer assistance such as: Jane, think of something that is very soft and write it on the lines, then draw a picture.
9. The teacher should note the students who seem to be struggling and provide them with extra assistance.
10. Collect these papers after they have been shared.
11. Pass out the Similar Similes worksheet and explain to the students that they are going to write and illustrate some more similes.
12. Complete one of the items from the worksheet together with the students to ensure comprehension of the instructions.
13. Explain to the students that when they finish writing the similes, they will draw an illustration of what they have written in the box.
14. While the students are completing the Similar Similes worksheet circulate and offer feedback to them. Note which students are struggling and provide them with extra assistance.
15. As a follow-up activity, have the students turn their Similar Similes worksheets over and write five similes of their own. Have the students illustrate one of these similes.
16. Once students have completed their work, collect their papers and assess according to the criteria listed in Assessment (below).
Assessments
To evaluate the students' comprehension of this skill, the teacher can observe their work in the Similar Similes worksheet. This would be a formative assessment. The students should complete the similes with 80% accuracy. Students not reaching 80% should be re-taught and reassessed.
The similes the students write on their own should be formatively assessed being sure they have completed the similes correctly. Again, students should score 80% accuracy. Those not reaching 80% accuracy should be re-taught and reassessed.
Extensions
Extensions:
Have the students make a Similar Similes worksheet of their own. The children write five partial simile phrases on a sheet of paper. They exchange papers with someone in the class or in their group and complete each other's papers. They then illustrate one of the similes they wrote.
Modifications:
The students who might have difficulty with this assignment should work with a partner to read the words. This will enhance their level of competency in this skill.
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